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More than 200 players either knelt or used other means as expressions of unity last weekend. NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said such actions are not a protest against the anthem or the flag.

The players knelt last weekend in response to social injustice. Full teams, along with some team owners, linked arms either before or during the anthem. Three teams — Pittsburgh, Seattle and Tennessee — did not take the field until after the anthem.

Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the playing of our National Anthem. Respect our Flag and our Country!

Trump had earlier called on NFL owners to fire players who didn't stand for the anthem.

Previously, Trump also said National Football League team owners are "afraid of their players." Earlier this week, he called for action against those who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.

Trump said he began criticizing the players because he has "so many friends that are owners." He added: "I think they are afraid of their players, if you want to know the truth, and I think it's disgraceful."

The president spoke in an interview that aired Thursday on "Fox and Friends." He says "most people agree" with him.

"I believe there was a statement our owners are afraid of our players and owners requested intervention by political leaders to kick this off," Lockhart said. "Those statements are not accurate."

Trump has spent days attacking players who kneel during the anthem. He insists the NFL should require players to stand. Responding to Trump, hundreds more players have been sitting, kneeling, locking arms or remaining in locker rooms.

If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....

"The owners are clearly united in a sense that the attacks on the game, on the NFL, on the players were unfair and unfounded, and that there was unity among the group," Lockhart said, noting that about two-thirds of the 32 team owners were at league headquarters this week for committee meetings.

"I think there was also a sentiment ... that the issues are being obscured and distorted by people with political agendas," Lockhart said. "I think they made it clear they support our players, but also support our country, the national anthem, the flag—all of the things some have suggested we don't."